V-Flyer

So the end of the outbound instalment found us sat on the terrace of the Hotel Nacional, working our way through both the list of cocktails and the list of options as to how to play the lost bag and missing bus situations with the VH rep the following day. We feel its slightly complicated as really the missing bag isnt a VH problem as such, so some modulation in displeasure may be needed. We also find that some tactical packing had occurred, so a couple of changes for the LFO were found.

As it turned out, the VH rep was well on the ball. Once wed identified ourselves to her she took us to one side, apologised for both situations and asked us to wait around for a few minutes at the end of her presentation where shed go through with us what she intended to do for us. As we move off into the presentation we could hear one of the other families complaining to her about the length of time theyd been stuck at the airport on the coach waiting for people who hadnt turned up (i.e. us). I dont think it was a good morning for her.

In the end for the missing transport we were refunded the taxi cost and offered tickets to one of the hotel shows and for the missing bag 50CUC each to buy clothes and toiletries. She also phoned VS and got an assurance that the bag would come on the next flight on the Wednesday and be delivered into the hotel wed be at on that day.

So, not a bad recovery on VHs part. Ill still be writing to VH though, as I dont think its acceptable at all that customers should be left at the airport. What if wed been less confident travellers? Infirm? What if Id left my phone at home? As DL remarked on the outbound TR VH count you in, so should have been rather more proactive in their handling of our situation.

So that behind us, we set out to enjoy our time in Cuba. Three days in Havana were fun, days wandering around, watching the big old American cars and noticing that there are more monuments to Jose Marti than to either Fidel or Che, nights in either Parisien Cabaret (think Saturday night TV circa 1972, and not in an ironic way) or the Buena Vista Social Club concert (good stuff). Then to Jibacoa for seven nights, which was much like any other Caribbean beach resort, save for a more limited food choice, and rather more organised activities than Id have liked.

And finally, times up. Used OLCI the day before to double check the seat assignments, and then the airport experience was less fraught than I feared it might be. Only one other couple at PE check in, then a queue to pay departure tax. (This Id left in the passports when Id handed them over to the check in agent, who lightly enquired Is this for me ? I toyed with a suitable response about upgrades, but then decided that it probably was neither big nor clever so to do.) Once through security (no liquids issue here, BTW) the terminal was reasonably light and uncluttered (though with the pall of cigarette smoke that is standard for Cuba). Spent the last few CUC on a final Cristal and Bucanero whilst watching the VS flight land (Jersey Girl) and awaiting the boarding announcement.

Once boarding was announced, a separate UC / AU/ PE priority line was set up and rigorously enforced. This time around Id managed to secure the 73A and 74A&C and so had a window seat with the handy luggage space. (BTW, its not that I insist on sitting separately from the DB and LFO; its just that neither of those two want to sit by themselves). Menu cards, water, blankets and headphones were already set out and fizzy, juice or water offered around.

Announcements included the flight deck routing would be up the east coast of the US to catch some significant tail winds so expect it to be bumpy the FSM who announced he was the chap in the grey suit that should you need to talk to him and one of the PE cc who told us that the wrong menu cards had been loaded. Not sure how much this mattered, is it was still beef, chicken or a vegetarian option.

Push back was a few minutes behind schedule, but theres neither a long taxi nor a queue so were in the air promptly at what seems to be an unfeasibly low rate of knots. Were soon over water, after passing over what I assume was an ex military airfield, where the dispersal routes and the blast protected stands were clearly visible.

Nova was started up promptly, and I opted for Gone, Baby, Gone. Not the cheeriest of subject matter, but great performances and suited the mood after picking up a paper to find that yet another small but significant war had broken out.

Service from then one was as visible and helpful as the outbound leg had been, with drink run before dinner, dinner with refills and a brandy and Baileys run. There was only one crew member managing some of time during the meal service (and the flight was full); the FSM came to help during the brandy run.

One small point; I always thought that the content of the PE and the Economy meals were the same, with only the serving dishes being different. However, during the meal service the beef option ran out just before DB; she was told theyd pop down and get her an Economy meal, which was a slightly different beef dish.

Once the meal and the after drinks were cleared away, blinds down and lights off were the order of the day. I managed to doze intermittently, wishing Id taken something to allow me a longer snooze.

Landfall on the UK was over Lands End, then a flight in over Southampton, Isle of Wight.and Brighton. Coffee, muffin and fruit were served as breakfast; I dont mind the paper cup, but I dont like the coffee

Touchdown was smooth and on schedule, and disembarking was done in priority order. Bags followed (this time all three of ours) in the same way, we were at the car within about 20 minutes of landing and home a couple of hours later.

In summary, the PE service in both directions met the standards claimed in the adverts particularly with being able to take advantage of sitting upstairs - I do wonder whether Id be of the same opinion had I been in the middle four downstairs ?

And now thanks for reading, but tea break is over and back to my regular EZY service.

Excellent TRs, especially with a bit of cuban flavour thrown in.

As we move off into the presentation we could hear one of the other families complaining to her about the length of time they'd been stuck at the airport on the coach waiting for people who hadn't turned up (i.e. us).

Don't you just love people like that (not!) They had to wait a measly length of time compared with the wait the LFO had to wait for her clothes. What did the think? That you were sight-seeing round the airport or had decided to slope off in a taxi without telling anyone even though you had already paid for the transfer?

Great TR, and forgive me for asking but who are DB and LFO?

You should have asked about the upgrade - my experience of Cuban check-in agents is that it is the norm! Nice tip and a few choice questions can result in a seat in the pointy end!

PJH,

Thanks for 2 great TR's. I loved reading about Havana and could feel the mystic of the place through your writing. As you say not a bad recovery by VH as I am sure we have all had a similar ecperience at some stage. With now 2 jnrs in tow it looks like PE will be the cabin of choice for our next adventures, just not sure when. VH room sounds quite good. As you say, who needs alcohol at 7am[:I]

thanks
Iain

Originally posted by barnstaple
Great TR, and forgive me for asking but who are DB and LFO?

Dearly Beloved (partner) and Less Favoured One (daughter). LFO's sobriquet is of her own making; her older brother is (apparently) The Favoured One.

Originally posted by barnstaple
You should have asked about the upgrade - my experience of Cuban check-in agents is that it is the norm! Nice tip and a few choice questions can result in a seat in the pointy end!

D*mn my english reserve!

Iain and HL - I'll put up hotel reviews soon that will contain more Cuban experiences.

Paul

fantastic trip reports!

i really would love to visit cuba sometime soon.

Glad PE was up to your expectations.

Another top TR Paul, thanks.

Glad the VH rep handled the situation well, but I am glad that you are writing in also as VH do need to look at the procedures.

Also glad you explained the DB abbreviation, all I could think of was darling boyfriend[:0][;)]

Neil

Paul

grateful thanks for the two TRs which were not only entertaining, but imformative as well[y][y]

A visible FSM usually means that the the attention as portrayed in the advertsing blub, will be there.

Thanks once again

buns

Originally posted by Neil
Also glad you explained the DB abbreviation, all I could think of was darling boyfriend[:0][;)]

That could've been the young Cuban gentleman on the outward leg...[:I]

Paul

Another great read, thanks very much! Also glad that the VH rep did a good job in getting your bag back and sorting out for you.

Look forward to many more TR's to come....

Dominic